What started as a potential walk-over became a nail-biter for Essendon supporters. The Bombers booted the first eight goals of the game and looked on the way to a comfortable victory. However, the Eagles fought back and the game became a tug of war contest played at a ferocious pace.  Matthew Lloyd kicked eight goals – but it was the skipper James Hird that snapped the winning goal to record the Bombers’ first win for the season.